Southern African Spiced Beef Stir-Fry

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Korean Bulgogi is transformed into a Southern African Spiced Beef Stir-Fry by incorporating distinct Southern African spices and flavors. The marinade is enhanced with spices commonly used in Southern African cuisine, such as coriander, paprika, cumin, and ginger, which infuse the dish with a unique warmth and depth of flavor. The stir-fry technique is employed to create a quick and easy meal, perfect for busy weeknights. The addition of vibrant vegetables adds a fresh and colorful element to the dish, enhancing its overall appeal. We alse have the original recipe for Bulgogi, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef sirloin, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 4g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the sliced beef, minced garlic, ground coriander, paprika, cumin, ginger, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.
4. 4.
   Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss with the vegetables. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
5. 5.
   Serve the Southern African Spiced Beef Stir-Fry hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy with steamed rice or flatbread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — For the best results, choose a tender cut of beef like sirloin and slice it thinly against the grain. This will ensure that the beef remains tender after cooking.
• Ground coriander — If you have whole coriander seeds, you can grind them using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder to obtain ground coriander.
• Fresh cilantro — Cilantro adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to the dish. If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or omit it altogether.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can increase the amount of brown sugar in the marinade.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables in the stir-fry according to your preference. You can add mushrooms, carrots, or any other vegetables you enjoy.
• To save time, you can marinate the beef overnight in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop even further.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Southern African Spiced Beef Stir-Fry hot, accompanied by steamed rice or flatbread. The flavors of the dish pair well with a side of tangy tomato and onion salad or a refreshing cucumber and mint salad.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the dish, garnish it with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro. Serve it in a vibrant and colorful bowl or plate to showcase the beautiful combination of the spiced beef and vegetables.